Getting Around Portland

Once you arrive in Portland, efficient public transit, miles of bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly city streets make navigating Portland a breeze. For more detailed transportation information, please visit Travel Portland.

Public Transit

TriMet offers light rail, bus, and streetcar service throughout the metro area. Travel Portland is providing PLA Conference attendees with a complimentary TriMet pass, which can be picked up during check-in at the Oregon Convention Center.

At the heart of Portland’s world-class public transportation system is the Metropolitan Area Express (MAX) light rail, with more than 90 stations and 60 miles of track connecting the city, airport, and region. MAX has five lines, all of which run through downtown Portland.
The TriMet bus system, which covers the city and its suburbs thoroughly, offers low fares, friendly drivers, and full wheelchair accessibility.
In 2001, City of Roses built the nation’s first modern-day streetcar: the sleek and modern Portland Streetcar. The original line travels through downtown from Portland State University to the Nob Hill neighborhood via the popular shopping and dining area of the Pearl District and runs approximately every 15 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays and every 20 minutes on Sundays.

Driving

While Portland prides itself on being a city that’s easy to get around without a car, these tips will help you tour the city in four-wheeled fashion. In Portland’s central city, there are 15,000 metered parking spaces and two types of parking meters: the SmartMeter pay station and the single-space (coin-operated) meter. The city also owns five downtown SmartPark garages with nearly 4,000 public spaces.

Onsite parking is provided in the Oregon Convention Center's underground garage. You may enter the garage through either the NE Lloyd Boulevard or NE First Avenue entrances. Availability is on a first come, first served basis. Also, there are several privately operated parking garages/lots in the area surrounding the convention center. Please be aware that some locations may not be open at certain times and availability is based upon demand. These garages/lots may promote “convention center parking” but are not operated by the Oregon Convention Center.

Biking

One of the best ways to explore the Rose City is on two wheels. This bike-friendly city boasts miles of protected bike lanes, plenty of places to rent bikes, and a treasure trove of bike maps to help you get from point A to B. Portland’s bike-share program, Biketown, offers access to 1,000 bright-orange, eight-speed bicycles.

Walking

Last but not least, one of the most enjoyable means of getting around the City of Roses is on foot. With many walkable neighborhoods like the Alberta Arts District and Hawthorne, as well as a bustling downtown, those traveling on foot have plenty of places to see and explore. Tilikum Crossing, the only bridge in the country dedicated to light rail, buses, bicycles, and pedestrians—without automobile traffic, is a scenic way to explore. Check out where else to walk on the Travel Portland website.